Table of Contents

American History: Famous Explorers

Christopher Columbus was the first person to set foot in the Western Hemisphere. That fateful day in 1492 created a chain reaction that would change the world. (Yes, I know the Vikings landed in North America close to 500 years before Columbus, but they didn’t tell anyone) This chain reaction would eventually lead to Roanoke, Jamestown, The Pilgrims and Plymouth Plantation, and Massachusetts Bay Colony. By the late 17th century the coast of North America was filled with eventual American colonies.

American History: Colonial America and French and Indian War

Colonial America was America in its infancy. America had become a profitable investment for the British Empire and this led to conflict in the Caribbean, Canada, and Europe. Great Britain found themselves at odds with the American Indians, Spanish, Dutch, and France. The Seven Years War erupted and Britain became locked in a struggle with France. After the dust settled Britain emerged as the most powerful country in the world, however the colonists of America began to see themselves as equal British citizens that deserved equal rights. This would eventually lead to the American Revolution.

American History: Founding Fathers and the American Revolution

The American Revolution was a revolution of ideas. It began as a rebellion and quickly elevated into something much more. In 1775 the colonists of Boston rebelled against the British and saw success in the New England Colonies. Soon delegates from the colonies began talking about declaring independence from the most powerful country in the world. Thomas Jefferson was chosen to write the Declaration of Independence and fellow delegates Benjamin Franklin and John Adams edited the rough draft. Soon the Declaration was written, signed, and delivered to King George III. While the war was already underway this gave it a purpose. From 1776 – 1783 the war dragged on with an eventual American victory.

American History: U.S. Presidents

George Washington was elected as the first president of the United States and served two terms, then stepped down. When he stepped away from power and re-entered the public life the world was stunned. Later Napoleon said of his French subjects that they wanted him to be another Washington and he was not. This precedent stood until World War II when Franklin Roosevelt served 4 terms in office. The President of the United States is now recognized as the most powerful position in the world.

American History: War of 1812

The War of 1812 is the forgotten war, yet almost became the war that ended America shortly after it began. While the war was fought to a draw and probably could have been avoided it did cause America to re-organize the military. This re-organization would aide in America’s conquest of Mexico under President James Polk and even influence the way the military was organized in 1861 when the Civil War broke out.

American History: The Civil War

The Civil War was fought in 1861 – 1865 and was the bloodiest conflict on American soil. The war ended the institution of slavery and still has much influence in modern culture. It divided families, changed fortunes, and brought reconstruction to the South. It devastated the south and changed the political landscape for decades and catapulted a new generation of leaders for the Republic. Men such as Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant, and Robert E. Lee became immortalized. In modern times most Americans had an ancestor that fought in the Civil War.